The Sermon on the Mount causes us to see ourselves as we are. We are also shown the way to please God.
Jesus said the body’s light comes from the eye (Matthew 6:22a). Each of us should ask ourselves if our eye is dark. The Lord explained, “But if your eye is bad your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:23). Those with a dark eye will seem to serve God when they are actually striving to be seen by men. Almsgiving, prayer and fasting are all good, but if they are done to please men the reward for doing them will be achieved when men see us (Matthew 6:1-2, 5, 16). Our motivation for service should come from the love within (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
We also need to ask ourselves if our eye is light, since singleness of service to God is light. “If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light” (Matthew 6:22b). John stated that God is light and those who would fellowship him must live in the light. Those who continue in the light will continue to have access to Jesus’ cleansing blood (1 John 1:7-9). Being rich in good works is the means of storing up treasures in heaven (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
Another way to see where we are is by asking ourselves whose slave we are. Jesus said it is impossible to serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Paul told the saints in Rome, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16). Abraham’s master was obviously God, because he “obeyed,” “went out,” and “dwelt” (Hebrews 11:8-10). Who is my master? Who is yours?
Let us resolve to serve God and him only. That singleness of service points to a single home, heaven.
Gary Hampton